Official | Sunderland sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana | OneFootball

Sunderland AFC have signed Belgium international winger Malick Fofana (21) from Ligue 1 side Lyon, both clubs have announced. OL have confirmed that the Black Cats have struck a €40m agreement with Les Gones. Sunderland will pay a €35m transfer fee, with a further €5m in add-ons. Lyon also negotiated a sell-on clause. Sunderland had been in negotiations with Lyon and the winger’s representatives throughout the final stages of the transfer window.

Fofana had attracted significant interest from across the Premier League. Arsenal had explored a move but were unwilling to meet Lyon’s €40m asking price, while Crystal Palace had also attempted to hijack Sunderland’s deal but have ultimately come up short in their pursuit of the OL attacker, despite Pierre Sage’s attempt to sway his former player towards joining Selhurst Park.

Fofana joined Lyon from Gent in January 2024 and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most exciting attacking players. His departure will represent a significant loss for Lyon, who have been forced to sell the wide forward after failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Fofana could make his Premier League debut against Brentford on Saturday.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval